At Saint Martin’s, we believe that fostering emotional well-being is just as important as academic success. Our pastoral care initiatives are designed to create a warm and inclusive community where every individual feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. We prioritise the holistic development of our students, recognising that their well-being is the foundation for their academic achievements and personal growth. Our dedicated pastoral team is committed to providing a supportive network for students, offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever needed.
Through a variety of initiatives, we ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence with resilience and confidence. We celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging where every student feels accepted for who they are. Our pastoral team works closely with students, parents, and staff to cultivate a positive and nurturing environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
At Saint Martin’s, pastoral care is not just a program – it’s a way of life. We believe that by nurturing the social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our students, we empower them to become compassionate leaders and responsible global citizens.
If you need any support please feel free to reach out to a member of the team below.
Name: Mr Del Busso, Head of Year 7
Subject: Design & Technology and Construction
Tenure: Joined Saint Martin’s in 2003 after being interviewed by a panel that included Sister Aiden
Pastoral: Before joining Saint Martin’s I worked in FE and Industry, working with trainees and students from all different backgrounds. Many of the success stories from these youngsters often related to the special care they had received from school or individuals in that school. This highlighted how big and what an important role pastoral care had made to their lives so wanted to be a part of that. Happy and enjoy working in such an amazing team. I have been a Head of Year since the role was created at St Martin’s and have worked with all year groups and, here I am, back to year 7.
Email: tdelbusso@saint-martins.net
Name: Miss Knights, Head of Year 8
Subject: All Sciences but Biology is my favourite
Tenure: I started at Saint Martins in August of 2015
Pastoral: In 2018 I became Assistant Head of Years 7 and 8. The following year I became Head of Year 7 and have been welcoming the Year 7s every year since and supporting their transition to secondary school. I am now moving with my year group to see the new challenges in supporting students to transition throughout the years ahead
Email: lknights@saint-martins.net
Name: Mrs Gray, Head of Year 9
Subject: Divinity
Tenure: Started working at Saint Martin’s in 2019
Pastoral: 2022- present. I started at Saint Martin’s in August 2019, I am deeply committed to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for each and every student in our year group. I bring a passion for empowering students to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. I am here to support, guide, and advocate for each of my year group as we navigate school life together
Email: slgray@saint-martins.net
Name: Mr Adcock, Head of Year 10
Subject: Divinity, but trapped in a Maths Teachers body!
Tenure: Started work at Saint Martin’ in 2015, so heading towards 10 years!
Pastoral: Having spent much of my first few years at Saint Martin’s not venturing far from my Maths classroom (even during break and lunchtimes!), I felt called to apply for a Head of Year role in 2019 and haven’t looked back. Being a local lad, working with churches and sport clubs in the Hinckley area, I have a heart for all our students finding their identity in Christ and flourishing at Saint Martins, in their families and their communities.
Email: m.adcock@saint-martins.net
Name: Mrs King, Head of Year 11
Subject: Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages ( French and Spanish)
Tenure: I started working at Saint Martin’s over 10 years ago when the school was still a Key Stage 3 school. I have the privilege of being part of the journey to becoming a Key Stage 4 school, with a more than double the number of pupils that we started with.
Pastoral: I have been a Head of Year for 6 years, predominantly working with upper school pupils in Year 9, 10 and 11. It’s an immensely rewarding role in which I strive to support all students as they navigate the challenges, and successes, of their GCSE years. I encourage all students to speak to me when they need support, guidance or just an ear to listen. My goal is for pupils to become the best version of themselves as they embark on the next step of their lives. I am proud to say that the pupils have also taught me so much about the challenges of life nowadays.
Email: kking@saint-martins.net
Name: Mrs Haywood, Assistant Head of Year Upper School
Subject: Pastoral Lead
Tenure: Started working at Saint Martins in June 2023
Pastoral: Having worked as a Learning Coach in Further Education for eight years, supporting and guiding young people through education has been a significant part of my career – this was instrumental in my decision to take the role of Assistant Head of Year at Saint Martin’s as I wanted to be part of young people’s journey through secondary education and helping them build resilience and self-esteem before stepping into adulthood. I have really enjoyed my first six months at Saint Martin’s and look forward to supporting our students through their time at the school.
Email: nhaywood@saint-martins.net
Name: Mrs Hunt
Subject: Geography Teacher & Pastoral Lead
Tenure: Started at St Martins in 2015
Pastoral: After studying Law at University in Sheffield, I worked at a Solicitors in Leicester for 2 years. I realised quite quickly that this wasn’t the career path that I wished to pursue. Subsequently, I moved into Education as a Behaviour Support Worker 20 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. My role involved helping pupils to overcome barriers to learning to achieve their full potential. I found this extremely rewarding and varied and I loved interacting with young people. Having enjoyed the role immensely, I went on to complete my PGCE in Education at Leicester University. I have since taught a variety of subjects in both Primary and Secondary settings but mainly Geography to KS3. During my PGCE I specialised in SEND and became a SENDco early on in my career before starting my family. I joined St Martin’s 9 years ago as a Business Studies Teacher. I previously attended the school as a pupil, so it was lovely to be back in this special place. When our Pastoral Manager retired, I relished the opportunity to take on the fabulous role of Pastoral Care. For the past 5 years I have worked as both a Pastoral Manager and Assistant SENDco. This year I have gone back into the classroom teaching Geography and I balance this with Pastoral Support. I feel I have now found the perfect balance and I have the best of both worlds!
Email: fhunt@saint-martins.net
Name: Mr Martin, Assistant Head of Year Lower School
Subject: Pastoral Lead
Tenure: Started working at Saint Martins in August 2023
Pastoral: Coming from a sporting background I appreciate the importance of feeling safe, supported and understood, as well as the impact they have on performance. This is everything I want to bring to Saint Martin’s to help develop our students into well rounded people who can reach their full potential.
Email: jmartin@saint-martins.net
